Big-hearted Drew hands over $1-million to UN food fund on 'Oprah'

March 3, 2008Mar 3, 2008, 11:00 PM GMT

Her 30th birthday two years ago proved something of a turning point in the life of former wild child Drew Barrymore. The actress and movie mogul made the decision to throw herself into a philanthropic role with the UN.

This week on Oprah Winfrey's talk show, the star went a step further, handing over a cheque for $1 million of her own money to the organisation's World Food Programme.

"I have seen with my own eyes what a difference a simple cup of nutritious porridge can make in a child's life," said Drew, who was appointed an Ambassador Against Hunger last year. "It helps them learn, stay healthy and sets them on track for a bright future."

Drew admitted that trips to see the programme's work in Kenya had "really, really changed her". "I found a project that I love working on," she added.

During the 2007 missions the actress certainly got stuck in without any airs or graces. Wearing a simple outfit of jeans and a T-shirt, Drew was pictured helping dole out food to locals and chatting with school kids.

The movie hotshot made this generous gesture on Oprah Winfrey's show. Her donation was received by Josette Sheeran, executive director of the World Food ProgrammePhoto: © Oprah.com

Last year Drew visited the Kenyan shantytown of Kibera on behalf of the World Food Programme. The actress made friends with children like Edith and Catherine (pictured), who are HIV-positive and receive food and medicine from the organisationPhoto: © WFP/Guillaume Bonn

Here 32-year-old Drew is seen doling out meals to school kids with the help of former student Paul. "Without food, it was very difficult to walk to school, let alone concentrate on our studies," he saidPhoto: © WFP/Guillaume Bonn

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